Resources

Welcome to the Prosperity Resources Page! This a page serves as a guide and a starting point to help you as you discover ways to add more prosperity to your life. It is divided into relevant sections. This page is a work in progress so check back as more resources are added!

Financial Prosperity

Career

10 interview tips

Be Early– I’m not suggesting being an hour early but getting to an interview 10-15 minutes before your appointment is a good idea. Planning on being early may also prevent you from being late and give you some wiggle room if there is traffic or any other unexpected travel obstacles prior to arrival.

Dress to Impress– This may sound basic but you would be shocked at how many people I’ve seen come to interviews in jeans or very casual clothing. PLEASE dress professionally. You may chose to dress more up or down depending on the environment of your perspective job but come neat and groomed. Do not wear jeans period! I suggest that you dress nicely to job fairs as well because you never know who you will meet or what will happen.

Turn Your Cell Phone Off– A job interview is a very important interview. Do not interrupt it with ringing or buzzing phones. Keep them off until the interview is over.

Learn About the Company Before Your Interview– Learn about the company you want to work for. This information may be useful for you as you interview. It will also help determine whether the company is a good match for you.

Smile– Smiling is universal and very powerful. Do not walk into the building or begin an interview while appearing unfriendly or unapproachable. Smiling will help the interviewer feel more comfortable as well (no one wants to interview an angry looking person). I’m not saying smile the entire time but at least be sure to smile at the beginning and end of the interview; you want to leave a positive impression.

Come Prepared– Some jobs are very straight forward while others are not. It may be a good idea to bring a note pad and a pen to jot down some notes or questions during the interview. Be sure to ask if it’s okay to take notes at the beginning of the interview.

Be Engaged– Make sure you are paying attention to the interviewer during your interview. It can be hard to sit and listen for long periods of time but do your best to stay engaged. Interview times may vary, but many do not last long. Remember, you may discover some very important information about your perspective job during this time that you’ll want to remember and take note of.

Ask Questions– I wrote a blog post about this. It’s important to ask questions because it means you’re engaged. It will also leave a lasting impression with the interviewer and highlight your intelligence.

Think Positively– Don’t go into an interview if you do not believe you are qualified or capable of doing the job you’re interviewing for (if this is the case, the interview may be a waste of your time and the interviewer’s). Think positively and go into your interview confidently.

Practice– Practice the interview before hand by creating a list of probable interview questions. Rehearse your answers in the mirror or ask someone to play the role of interviewer. This may decrease pre-interview jitters and help you appear more polished on the day of the interview.

Money Management

10 Money Management Tips

1. Live within your means– Having money does not mean you have to spend all of it. I’m not saying don’t have fun, if you are well financially please have fun but do so wisely.

2. Don’t fall into the credit trap– Credit is not necessary to live or function in this world. You can pay cash and not have to worry about debt at all.

3. Think long term– This is extremely important. Most people do not think long term about money and they should. Often times we spend money in terms of the present. What happens when the present is gone and you’re left with no money? Plan for the day when you’re no longer working. Plan for the day when you are working but but need cash quick. Create an emergency fund and open a retirement account to prepare for the long term.

4. Develop a realistic budget that you can stick to– This is one of the most important factors of budgeting. You must be able to stick to what ever budget you create. Create a budget that is not extravagant but still meets your needs. Budget for fun stuff like vacations and concerts in advance so that they will not be a financial strain. Budgeting in advance also ensures that you will be able to do enjoyable things with your money as well as things that need to get done like fixing the car or painting the house.

5. Pay your bills on time– Paying your bills on time is essential for two reasons. One, you will avoid late fees and other complications. Two, I know from personal experience that if you manage what you have well, you will be given more to manage!

6. Deal with debt– If you are in debt, deal with it. This will free up more money for you to spend in other areas like retirement.

7. Stretch you dollar– Everything does not have to be brand name. Look at the packages of off-brand products. Off-brand products with labels that say “compare to x brand” generally have the same ingredients of the brand mentioned at a lower price.

8. Be accountable– This is your money so be accountable. If you are spending when you should be saving, ask yourself why. If managing money is something that is difficult for you, get support. Find someone else that will drill you if you are not accountable.

9. Use cash- Using cash is a great way to manage you money. It creates a consciousness about spending that just isn’t present when you use cash. It makes you think twice. An envelope system is a great tool because it allows you to divide your cash among various expenses. Check an envelope system by clicking here.

10. Start today- Don’t put this off until tomorrow. Start today. The sooner you start managing your money well, the richer you’ll be. Take one step. It could simply be making a list of all your bills and figuring out how much you’re spending each month.

Credit Myths According to Dave Ramsey

As far a money management is concerned, Dave Ramsey is one of the best teachers. Here’s what he has to say about credit:

Myth #1: “Debt is a tool and should be used to create prosperity.”

Truth #1: “Debt adds considerable risks, most often doesn’t bring prosperity, and isn’t used by wealthy people nearly as much as we are led to believe.” I have a shameful secret…I watch reality t.v. I particularly enjoy the shows that have to do with wealthy people. I love seeing them pull out big wads of cash and using checks to make their purchases. I very rarely see any of them use credit.

Myth #2: “If I loan money to a friend or relative, I am helping them.”

Truth #2: “If I loan money to a friend or relative the relationship will be strained or destroyed. The only relationship that would be enhanced is the kind resulting from one party’s being the master and the other party, a servant.” Don’t do it. Even you love the person don’t do it. Changing the nature of your relationships with your loved ones because of a loan isn’t loving, it’s detrimental.

Myth #3: “By cosigning a loan, I’m helping a friend or relative.”

Truth #3: “Be ready to re-pay the loan. The bank wanted a cosigner for a reason, which is that they don’t expect the friend or relative to pay.” Do you really want to be stuck paying the bill for something you didn’t want in the first place? How would this change the dynamic of your relationship if something like this ever happened? Is it worth the change?

Myth #4: “Cash advance, payday loans, rent to own, title pawning, and tote the note care lots are needed to help lower income people get ahead.”